tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:blogdestructoidhttp://bulk2.destructoid.com/ele2/images/destructoid/favicon.ico2015-07-08T22:00:00Ztag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=295635Ben Davishttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Ben+DavisWant more Dragon Quest games localized? You might want to buy Dragon Quest Heroes2015-07-08T22:00:00Z2015-07-08T22:00:00Z<p>Polygon <a href="http://www.polygon.com/2015/7/6/8902491/more-dragon-quest-games-could-come-to-north-america-if-dragon-quest" target="_blank">recently spoke with</a> <em>Dragon Quest</em> series executive producer Yuu Miyake about <em><a href="http://www.destructoid.com/dragon-quest-heroes-is-coming-westward-on-ps4-288193.phtml">Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree's Woe and the Blight Below</a>&nbsp;</em>(God, I love that title). Since this is the first <em>Dragon Quest</em> game to be localized for a North American release since 2011, Miyake talked about some of the issues with localization and his hopes to see more games from the series make it out of Japan in the future.</p>
<p>"We want to get them out here. We really do!," Miyake said. "The <em>Dragon Quest</em> games are very text-heavy, so the time and the cost it takes to localize these and do it well is quite something.</p>
<p>"Business-wise, we have to think quite hard whether we'll make that money back from localizing to North America," he continued. "It's always been a difficult decision. But the more you tell us, the louder the voices, the more likely we are to do it."</p>
<p>It also sounds as though Square Enix might be using <em>Dragon Quest Heroes</em> to gauge interest in other <em>Dragon Quest</em> titles coming to North America.</p>
<p>"We're really using this as a kind of opening up of the market. We can gauge whether the American people might want to go back after&nbsp;<em>Heroes</em>&nbsp;and see some of the other <em>Dragon Quest</em> games. Hopefully we could use that as leverage to get those out over here."</p>
<p>If this is true, then I sure hope <em>Dragon Quest Heroes</em> sells well over here, because I've been dying to fight some more slimes. Hopefully, the rumors about the <a href="http://www.destructoid.com/reports-dragon-quest-vii-and-viii-coming-west-295346.phtml">3DS versions of <em>Dragon Quest VII</em> and <em>VIII</em></a> being localized are true, but it's possible we won't know for sure until after we see the sales for <em>Dragon Quest Heroes</em>.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.polygon.com/2015/7/6/8902491/more-dragon-quest-games-could-come-to-north-america-if-dragon-quest" target="_blank">More Dragon Quest games could come to North America if Dragon Quest Heroes sells</a> [Polygon]</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/295635-dqheroes.jpg" alt="Want more Dragon Quest games localized? You might want to buy Dragon Quest Heroes screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=289766Laura Kate Dalehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Laura+Kate+DaleIs Atlus teasing an Attack on Titan localization?2015-03-31T08:30:00Z2015-03-31T08:30:00Z<p>Earlier today, the Twitter account for <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/AtlusUSA">Atlus USA</a> posted a very strange Vine. The short clip features a man destroying tiny ketchup packet people, splatting red on walls and eating a hotdog. We were initially confused, what on earth could this be a reference to?</p>
<p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Are you the hotdog? <a href="https://t.co/lgO3dBhLD6">https://t.co/lgO3dBhLD6</a></p>&mdash; Atlus U.S.A., Inc. (@AtlusUSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/AtlusUSA/status/582703261368479745">March 31, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>From the looks of the Vine, this appears to be hinting that Atlus will be localizing the 3DS game <em>Attack on Titan</em> in the west. From the giant man murdering tiny people in a bloodbath to the pork hot dog matching the reference to pigs in the anime's opening theme, we're putting our eggs in this basket.</p>
<p>Rumors of an <em>Attack on Titan</em> 3DS localization have been swirling for a few months since it was <a href="http://www.destructoid.com/looks-like-atlus-is-localizing-attack-on-titan-3ds-282901.phtml" target="_blank">rated by the Australian ratings board</a>.</p>
<p>So, who's ready to attack some titans?</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/289766-264359-AoT.jpg" alt="Is Atlus teasing an Attack on Titan localization? screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=284293Brittany Vincenthttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Brittany+VincentCriminal Girls: Invite Only up for parole in February 20152014-11-26T12:00:00Z2014-11-26T12:00:00Z<p>You may remember <em><a href="http://www.destructoid.com/products_detail.phtml?p=Criminal+Girls%3A+Invite+Only&amp;c=news" target="_blank">Criminal Girls: Invite Only</a></em> as the game we covered back in July two different times where it was briefly suggested the game shouldn't be localized. But that's only because <em>I</em> didn't write the post, because I'm all for giving it a try. And guess what? NIS America, the #1 handsy boys that they are, have finally given it a release date. It'll hit&nbsp;February 3 in North America and February 6 in Europe.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Of course, as reported back then, it appears certain aspects of the game will be edited according to NIS America. Weirdly enough, that isn't mentioned in the latest PR blast from NIS America. Maybe they're counting on the fact that we remember?</p>
<p>At any rate, this game finds you taking up the role as caretaker of a gaggle of girls who have been sent to hell as retribution for their earthly sins. But there's still hope. If you give them time to redeem themselves, listen to their stories, and provide a little guidance, they may well conquer a trial known as the Redemption Program, which could end up freeing the girls from the chains that bind them. And cute prison uniforms. Seriously, they don't look half bad. I guess that's great for when you need to "motivate" them to be good girls, right?</p>
<p>The first batch of English screens are below. Commence ta' jigglin'.</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/284293-conversation 6.jpg" alt="Criminal Girls: Invite Only up for parole in February 2015 screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/criminal-girls-invite-only-up-for-parole-in-february-2015-284293.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=277740Steven Hansenhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Steven+HansenCriminal Girls' sexual punishment will only be mildly censored2014-07-08T08:00:00Z2014-07-08T08:00:00Z<p>A lot of people were upset after NIS America announced it had "<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/sexual-punishment-probably-scrubbed-from-criminal-girls-western-release-277597.phtml">edited certain aspects</a>" of&nbsp;<em><a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/sexual-punishment-probably-scrubbed-from-criminal-girls-western-release-277597.phtml">Criminal Girls: Invite Only</a></em>&nbsp;for Western release. The "c" word (censorship) was thrown around nobly as it always seems to be when erotic Japanese games are being discussed.&nbsp;</p>
<p>NIS America <a target="_blank" href="http://nisamerica.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=791100#p791100">addressed this in its forum</a>&nbsp;and the editing it has done is downright mild. You can still spank and whip blushing ass-up anime girls to your hearts' content, though you'll have to loop your own sound effects.</p>
<p>"<span>The punishment minigame will remain as is, with a couple small tweaks. The first is that the associated audio will not be present (moans, gasps, short phrases, etc.). The second is that for certain scenes with little to no steam, some steam effects will be added back in to obscure some potentially problematic images. This will be kept to a minimum.</span><span></span></p>
<p><span>No other scenes or content will be removed. As a general approach, we are being very conscious of the general tone of the game and making sure that we retain the spirit of the story and characters without taking things too far (this will mostly consist of terminology choices and character interactions here and there)."</span></p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/277740-verygood.jpg" alt="Criminal Girls' sexual punishment will only be mildly censored screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/criminal-girls-sexual-punishment-will-only-be-mildly-censored-277740.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=277597Steven Hansenhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Steven+HansenSexual punishment probably scrubbed from Criminal Girls western release2014-07-04T15:30:00Z2014-07-04T15:30:00Z<p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/yTQvtrtqO_k" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p><em>Criminal Girls: Invite Only</em>, a touched up version of the 2010 PSP game <em>Criminal Girls</em>, is coming to Vita in North America and Europe next year, NIS America announced.</p>
<p><em>Criminal Girls</em>&nbsp;involves guiding seven girls through hell and, in the original Japanese release, "punishing" them to keep them in line with racy minigames involving tickling and whipping. However, NISA has said, "[i]n order to bring this title to as many fans as possible in both North America and Europe, NIS America has edited certain aspects of this game."</p>
<p>So could be the whole assaulting little girls element is gone. Along with English text, <em>Invite Only</em>, "brings previously unplayable characters into the fray&mdash;Miu and Himekami&mdash;and includes brand new scenarios."&nbsp;</p>
<p>"It also revamps the much lauded motivational gameplay with updated artwork, and brand new Live2D graphics and effects." So I wonder how they're going to spin it.&nbsp;</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/277597-animegrtil.jpg" alt="Sexual punishment probably scrubbed from Criminal Girls western release screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=276014Brittany Vincenthttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Brittany+VincentCorpse Party returns to its PC birthplace with upcoming XSEED release2014-06-05T12:45:00Z2014-06-05T12:45:00Z<p><em><a href="http://www.destructoid.com/review-corpse-party-218252.phtml" target="_blank">Corpse Party</a></em> is one of my favorite horror series (even if it's a little tame at times) and I was thrilled to see it make its debut as a PSP cult hit back in 2011. Now, XSEED plans to bring the original Windows edition to life -- or would that be afterlife? -- with a digital release of the RPG Maker original from 2008.</p>
<p>This expansion has been improved upon tremendously from the first iteration, with additional characters, over 5,000 lines of Japanese voice acting straight from the original actors in the independent game, and plenty of other Easter eggs to sate players hungry for another slice of <em>Corpse Party</em>. Yes, I was hoping for a brand new one, but a chance to play the PC version that started it all is an interesting proposition as well.</p>
<p>If you've never played through <em>Corpse Party's</em> PSP release and are looking to get into the series (which you very well should be), I highly recommend checking this one out -- even if you've played the PSP version. More <em>Corpse Party</em>, as I'm sure many of you will agree, is never a bad thing.</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/276014-corpsepartyscrn1.jpg" alt="Corpse Party returns to its PC birthplace with upcoming XSEED release screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=275788Jordan Devorehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jordan+DevoreFans have translated Retro Game Challenge 22014-06-02T12:45:00Z2014-06-02T12:45:00Z<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/retro-game-challenge-2-fan-translation-almost-complete-274660.phtml">At long last</a>, Aaron Tokunaga-Chmielowiec and co. have released their English translation for <em>Retro Game Challenge 2 </em>/ <em>Game Center CX 2</em>. The patch is available for <a target="_blank" href="http://www.gccxpatch.com/download.html">download here</a>.</p>
<p>Thanks to XSEED, we got a taste of the series back in 2009 with <em>Retro Game Challenge</em> -- but sales were such that, in all likelihood, <em>Game Center CX 2 </em>and its 3DS follow-up won't see an official localization. Bleh. But with passionate, capable fans to pick up the slack, we've lucked out.</p>
<p>With any project like this, I'm always happy (and pleasantly surprised) to see the folks responsible reach the end. This patch's <a target="_blank" href="http://www.gccxpatch.com/development.html">development history</a> sounds nightmarish. I can't even imagine. The work on <em>Retro Game Challenge 2</em> isn't finished yet, though -- Tokunaga-Chmielowiec says he's now working on patch version 1.1 to address bug reports that have come in so far. Godspeed.</p>
<p>[Via <a target="_blank" href="http://tinycartridge.com/post/87556265577/the-retro-game-challenge-2-fan-translation-has">Tiny Cartridge</a>]</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/275788-h1.jpg" alt="Fans have translated Retro Game Challenge 2 screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=275190Steven Hansenhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Steven+HansenSamurai Warriors 4 coming to PS3, PS4, Vita this fall2014-05-21T17:30:00Z2014-05-21T17:30:00Z<p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/GPGTy56UyvE?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>Tecmo Koei <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/tecmokoeieurope/status/469097016220733440">would like you to know</a> that <em>Samurai Warriors 4</em> is coming to the US and Europe this fall for PS3, PS4, and Vita. It released in Japan <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/samurai-warriors-4-features-the-legendary-musashi-and-goemon-272363.phtml">early this year</a>. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/review-samurai-warriors-3-185571.phtml"><em>Samurai Warriors 3</em></a> came out four years ago.</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/275190-samwar4.jpg" alt="Samurai Warriors 4 coming to PS3, PS4, Vita this fall screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=275184Brittany Vincenthttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Brittany+VincentSenran Kagura: Ninja Flash is being localized by FUNimation2014-05-21T16:30:00Z2014-05-21T16:30:00Z<p><iframe width="620" height="340" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/jr4rFACtTpw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>Fans of rip-your-clothes-off-while-fighting-to-the-death <em><a href="http://www.destructoid.com/review-senran-kagura-burst-265865.phtml" target="_blank">Senran Kagura Burst</a></em> should be tickled pink, as the popular ninja girl beat-'em-up is receiving an anime series courtesy of FUNimation. Tamsoft's side-scrolling saga was adapted into an anime series back in 2013, and now it's finally being localized as <em>Senran Kagura: Ninja Flash</em>.</p>
<p>So now you can watch the girls run around in bikinis and whatnot instead of playing the game, but I gotta warn you -- having seen some of the series during its Japanese run, you're really better served playing the game. The series is a bunch of fluffy nonsense. It's cute, but the games are seriously a better bet.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.gonintendo.com/s/228590-senran-kagura-ninja-flash-anime-gets-localization-trailer-release-date-and-more" rel="story-228590">Senran Kagura: Ninja Flash anime gets localization trailer, release date and more</a>&nbsp;[GoNintendo]</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/275184-senrankagura1.jpg" alt="Senran Kagura: Ninja Flash is being localized by FUNimation screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=273652Max Scovillehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Max+ScovilleTuesday Newsday: Dragon Age III, Star Citizen, Fatal Frame & Nuka Cola2014-04-22T19:15:00Z2014-04-22T19:15:00Z<p><object width="620" height="349"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/cWnRfCHT0jI?version=3&amp;hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/cWnRfCHT0jI?version=3&amp;hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="620" height="349" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></p>
<p>Here's your Tuesday Newsday for the last week or so! Today, we got a sexy new <em><a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/dragon-age-inquisition-launches-on-october-7-273584.phtml">Dragon Age III: Inquisition</a></em> trailer, some HD footage of <em><a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/watch-some-glorious-star-citizen-gameplay-footage-273501.phtml">Star Citizen</a></em> out of PAX East, announcements of a new <em><a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/new-fatal-frame-materializing-on-wii-u-273595.phtml">Fatal Frame</a></em> on Wii-U as well as a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/sword-art-online-hollow-fragment-being-localized-this-summer-273583.phtml">bunch</a> of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/theatrhythm-final-fantasy-curtain-call-announced-for-north-america-273593.phtml">Japanese</a> games being <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/dynasty-warriors-gundam-reborn-coming-to-ps3-on-july-4-273587.phtml">localized</a>. Sony, Microsoft, and ZeniMax have all been trademarking curious terms like "<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/-eden-falls-trademarked-by-microsoft-273557.phtml">Eden Falls</a>" "<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/microsoft-trademarks-a-game-named-screamride--273386.phtml">Screamride</a>" <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/sony-trademarks-entwined-and-kill-strain--273574.phtml">"Killstrain" "Entwined"</a> and "<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/-nuka-cola-trademark-applications-filed-by-zenimax-media-273371.phtml">Nuka Cola.</a>"</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/273652-DTN.jpg" alt="Tuesday Newsday: Dragon Age III, Star Citizen, Fatal Frame & Nuka Cola screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=269234Wesley Ruscherhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Wesley+RuscherNintendo doesn't want story of EarthBound published2014-01-19T17:00:00Z2014-01-19T17:00:00Z<p><em><a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/earthbound-so-what-s-the-big-deal--258465.phtml">Earthbound</a>&nbsp;</em>stands as one of Nintendo's most beloved cult classics. Known as <em>Mother 2</em> in Japan, the franchise's loan release in North America is still highly regarded for its unique setting and characters, and, above all, one of the genre's most revered localizations.&nbsp;</p>
<p>For <a href="http://www.destructoid.com/nintendo-squashed-earthbound-dev-s-book-plans-and-more-268154.phtml" target="_blank">Marcus Lindblom</a>, the game's localizer,&nbsp;it has become more than just another game in is long career in the industry. Fueled by last year's virtual console release on Wii U, the game has seen a revival of sorts which has in turn has propelled Lindbolm's fame amongst fans.</p>
<p>In an interview with <a target="_blank" href="http://www.polygon.com/2014/1/18/5308416/why-did-nintendo-quash-a-book-about-earthbounds-development">Polygon</a>, Lindblom has shared his recent desire to return the goodwill from <em>Earthbound</em> devotees with a book recounting his experience with the game's development. Unfortunately, Nintendo doesn't want this story shared.&nbsp;</p>
<p><span>"It isn't anything that I can speculate on," he told Polygon. "All I will say is I was the one who went and talked to Nintendo because I thought I might as well see if I can get their blessing. I asked them and they came back and said we'd rather you didn't."</span></p>
<p><span>Respecting the NDA&nbsp;Lindblom signed, he has&nbsp;agreed&nbsp;not to publish the book which he planned to Kickstart to cover the publication costs.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span><span>"My goal was always to honor the game and the fans and Itoi's writing," he said. "I am going to honor Nintendo's wishes that I don't put something down into a book, but I know that the fan community is owed some tidbits of information and I will continue to do that and to talk about it."</span><br /></span></p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/269234-saturns-620x.jpg" alt="Nintendo doesn't want story of EarthBound published screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/nintendo-doesn-t-want-story-of-earthbound-published-269234.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=266899Jordan Devorehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jordan+DevoreNintendo: '100K signatures doesn't mean 100K sales'2013-12-04T21:00:00Z2013-12-04T21:00:00Z<p>It's hard not to look at "successful" fan campaigns like <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/mistwalker-thanks-fans-for-operation-rainfall-movement-204691.phtml">Operation Rainfall</a> or petitions like <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/dark-souls-pc-petition-boasts-over-48-000-signatures-219305.phtml">the one for <em>Dark Souls</em>' PC port</a> and feel some sense of pride at gamers' ability to come together for a common cause. Speaking candidly in an interview with <a target="_blank" href="http://www.siliconera.com/2013/12/04/nintendos-reggie-talks-wii-u-western-development-operation-rainfall/">Siliconera</a>, Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime said this sort of thing "doesn't affect what we do."</p>
<p>Continuing, he explained "We certainly look at it, and we're certainly aware of it, but it doesn't necessarily affect what we do. I'll give you an example. I mentioned earlier that our head of product development had a bet on <em>X</em> versus <em>Y</em> -- we also had a bet around localizing <em>Xenoblade</em>. I wanted to bring <em>Xenoblade</em> here. The deal was, how much of a localization effort is it? How many units are we going to sell, are we going to make money?</p>
<p>"We were literally having this debate while Operation Rainfall was happening, and we were aware that there was interest for the game, but we had to make sure that it was a strong financial proposition. I'm paid to make sure that we're driving the business forward -- so we're aware of what's happening, but in the end we've got to do what's best for the company. The thing we know [about petitions] is that 100,000 signatures doesn't mean 100,000 sales."</p>
<p>That final line is a harsh truth, one that extends to game boycotts just as well.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.siliconera.com/2013/12/04/nintendos-reggie-talks-wii-u-western-development-operation-rainfall/">Nintendo&rsquo;s Reggie Talks Wii U, Western Development And Operation Rainfall</a> [Siliconera]</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/266899-h1.jpg" alt="Nintendo: '100K signatures doesn't mean 100K sales' screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=266226Hamza CTZ Azizhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Hamza+CTZ+AzizAll four Pokemon Origins episodes now in English2013-11-22T23:00:00Z2013-11-22T23:00:00Z<p>The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/first-two-episodes-of-localized-pokemon-origins-are-live-265924.phtml">fourth and final</a> localized episode of the<em> Pokemon Origins</em> mini-series <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pokemon.com/us/tv-episodes/pokemon-episodes/#!78f1adc26764486cac8068df5e9c9195">is now live for you to view</a>. As a reminder, <em>Origins</em> is based completely on the <em>Pokemon Red/Blue</em> games, as opposed to the horrible prolonged and never ending anime series that features that giant man baby Ash Ketchum.</p>
<p>While this series is based on the original game, there is the tie-in to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/review-pokemon-x-and-y-263390.phtml"><em>Pokemon X</em> and <em>Y</em></a> with the whole Mega Evolution stuff. Oh yeah Charizard, go Super Saiyan and kick Mewtwo's ass!</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/266226-header.jpg" alt="All four Pokemon Origins episodes now in English screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=265924Brett Zeidlerhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Brett+ZeidlerFirst two episodes of localized Pokemon Origins are live2013-11-18T16:15:00Z2013-11-18T16:15:00Z<p>Well, it's finally here guys. The first episode of the localized <em><a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/english-version-of-the-pokemon-origins-anime-in-the-works-262543.phtml">Pokemon Origins</a> </em>went live this past Friday, the second went live today, and it's all free to watch on <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pokemon.com/us/tv-episodes/pokemon-episodes/">Pokemon TV</a>. If you're not up to speed, <i>Origins </i>is an anime completely separate from the main one as it's a retelling of <em>Pokemon Red/Blue</em>. In fact, it <em>completely </em>follows the games to the point that each episode starts and ends with loading and saving, respectively. Those kinds of details don't stop there. It's super awesome.</p>
<p>The English voice talent does a pretty good job, but I've never been one to be picky about dubs or localization jobs or anything. I will say Professor Oak's actor isn't how I exactly imagined him sounding, but I can forgive it. Oh, and that awful clip of <a href="http://www.destructoid.com/here-s-what-a-charmander-sounds-like-dying-262881.phtml" target="_blank">Charmander screaming </a><em><a href="http://www.destructoid.com/here-s-what-a-charmander-sounds-like-dying-262881.phtml" target="_blank">bloody f**king murder</a> </em>was censored for the US version. Let's all be happy about that.</p>
<p>Anyway, if you played <i>Red </i>or <em>Blue </em>pretty extensively back in the day, your nostalgia meters will go off the charts. This is an homage to your childhood in all the right ways.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/265924-pokemon_origins.jpg" alt="First two episodes of localized Pokemon Origins are live screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=264812Wesley Ruscherhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Wesley+RuscherIdea Factory International website officially launched 2013-11-03T09:00:00Z2013-11-03T09:00:00Z<p>Fans of Idea Factory games rejoice, the <a href="http://www.ideafintl.com/" target="_blank">official international website</a> for all things Idea Factory is finally open for public consumption. As reported by our sister site <a href="http://www.japanator.com/idea-factory-international-website-launched-30270.phtml" target="_blank">Japanator</a>, the focus of the site is to provide news and updates for upcoming Idea Factory properties.</p>
<p>Currently the Japanese publisher is dependent on third party companies like NIS America, Aksys Games, and Rising Star Games to localize and publish their games in western markets. As we reported <a href="http://www.destructoid.com/idea-factory-charters-western-satellite-studio-262754.phtml" target="_blank">back in September</a>, the formation of Idea Factory International aims to strengthen the company's global identity.&nbsp;</p>
<p>To help celebrate the launch and build awareness, Idea Factory International is currently running a promotion for following their <a href="https://twitter.com/ideafactoryintl" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/IdeaFactoryIntl" target="_blank">Facebook</a> pages. Lucky followers have a chance to win free prizes and gifts, with winners being directly contacted through either social media site.&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.japanator.com/idea-factory-international-website-launched-30270.phtml">Idea Factory international website launched</a>&nbsp;[Japanator]</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/264812-30270-idf_web_.jpg" alt="Idea Factory International website officially launched screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=264349Kyle MacGregorhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Kyle+MacGregorNamco doesn't have the staff to localize every Tales game2013-10-27T12:00:00Z2013-10-27T12:00:00Z<p>Namco Bandai simply doesn't have the staff to bring every <em>Tales</em> game to Western markets. The publisher prioritizes "flagship titles" like Tales of Xillia when determining what to localize, series producer Hideo Baba told <a target="_blank" href="http://www.siliconera.com/2013/10/25/tales-team-simply-doesnt-enough-staff-localize-every-game/">Siliconera</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>"Because the number of development members we have on staff is very limited, it&rsquo;s not possible to localize every single<em>&nbsp;Tales</em>&nbsp;title," Baba explained. "So we have to pick and choose when deciding which parts of the&nbsp;<em>Tales</em>&nbsp;series we would like to bring out to the rest of the world outside Japan."</p>
<p>So, don't expect portable entries like <em><a href="http://www.destructoid.com/namco-hates-you-tales-of-hearts-r-is-on-ios-in-japan-263314.phtml" target="_blank">Tales of Hearts R</a></em> or <em>Tales of Innocence R</em> to make the jump across the Pacific anytime soon. Mobile games like <em>Tales of Link</em> don't figure to see localizations either, as developmental partnerships with companies like GREE and Mobage complicate matters.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The follow-up to <em><a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/review-tales-of-xillia-259798.phtml">Tales of Xillia</a></em> and high-definition remasters of <em><a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/tales-of-symphonia-chronicles-heads-west-in-february-2014-264057.phtml">Tales of Symphonia</a></em>&nbsp;and its sequel will release in North America, Europe, and Australasia in 2014.</p>
<p><span><a href="http://www.siliconera.com/2013/10/25/tales-team-simply-doesnt-enough-staff-localize-every-game/" target="_blank">The Tales Team Simply Doesn&rsquo;t Have Enough Staff To Localize Every Game</a></span><span>&nbsp;[Siliconera]</span></p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/264349-Untitled-4.jpg" alt="Namco doesn't have the staff to localize every Tales game screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=264242Kyle MacGregorhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Kyle+MacGregorTecmo: Atelier studio to include dual audio going forward2013-10-25T09:00:00Z2013-10-25T09:00:00Z<p>All future titles in Gust's<em> Atelier</em> series will feature dual audio, Tecmo Koei has announced.</p>
<p>"We want to say sorry for the incidents of<em> Atelier Ayesha</em>; also a big thank you for letting us know your feeling regarding the voicing issue," the publisher relayed <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/tecmokoeieurope/status/393383422196187136">via Twitter</a>.</p>
<p>"We have told and pushed the Gust development team.&nbsp;We'll keep making sure all their games to include dual audio options from now on."</p>
<p>Dual audio was <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/atelier-escha-logy-coming-west-in-early-2014-262145.phtml">previously confirmed</a> for the next game in the series,<em>&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/ps3-gets-atelier-escha-logy-alchemists-of-the-dusk-sky-264185.phtml">Atelier Escha &amp; Logy: Alchemists of the Dusk Sky</a></em>. The alchemy-themed role-playing game&nbsp;will make the journey to North America and Europe in March 2014.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/264242-a.jpg" alt="Tecmo: Atelier studio to include dual audio going forward screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=264153Steven Hansenhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Steven+HansenMugen Souls Z coming West, minus creepy bath minigame2013-10-24T13:00:00Z2013-10-24T13:00:00Z<p>Compile Heart's <em>Mugen Souls Z</em>, a sequel to PS3 RPG <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/mugen-souls-hits-playstation-network-next-week-254012.phtml"><em>Mugen Souls</em></a>, will be coming to Europe and North America in 2014 courtesy of NIS America. My guess is there is a "Z" in the sequel's title because it looks enough like a "2" to confuse me, without my contacts, into thinking the title made sense.</p>
<p>NIS' press release also noted, "Due to the sensitive nature of some content, NIS America has decided to edit certain aspects of this title for its North American and European releases." This <a target="_blank" href="http://nisamerica.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&amp;t=13487">forum post</a> explains that the creepy bathing minigame is on the chopping block.</p>
<p>No rubbing bananas all over almost-naked, young-looking anime girls for you, foreign <em>Mugen Souls </em>fans.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/264153-mugensoulsz.jpg" alt="Mugen Souls Z coming West, minus creepy bath minigame screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=262754Kyle MacGregorhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Kyle+MacGregorIdea Factory charters Western satellite studio2013-09-30T23:15:00Z2013-09-30T23:15:00Z<p>Idea Factory&nbsp;is establishing an outpost in California. The Tokyo-based publisher announced the creation of Idea Factory International today, which expressly aims to strengthen the company's brands around the globe. Former NIS America president Harusato Akenaga will act as CEO.</p>
<p>Players might be familiar with the group's otaku-centric franchises, which include the&nbsp;<em>Record of Agarest War</em>,&nbsp;<em><a href="http://www.destructoid.com/review-hyperdimension-neptunia-victory-248751.phtml" target="_blank">Hyperdimension Neptunia</a>,&nbsp;</em>and&nbsp;<em>Hakuoki</em>&nbsp;series.&nbsp;</p>
<div></div>
<p>Until now Idea Factory and its subsidiary Compile Heart have relied on studios such as Aksys Games and NIS America to localize its titles for Western audiences, a practice that figures to change moving forward once Idea Factory International gets off the ground.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ideafintl.com/" target="_blank">Idea Factory International</a> [IF]</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/262754-248858-22.jpg" alt="Idea Factory charters Western satellite studio screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=262079Steven Hansenhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Steven+HansenFinal Fantasy Agito 'will definitely be localized'2013-09-18T21:00:00Z2013-09-18T21:00:00Z<p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/97YTs5zJ080" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>We recently learned about <em>Final Fantasy Agito</em>, an Android/iOS game in development at Square Enix that is a companion to <em>Final Fantasy Type-0</em> (which was formerly known as <em>Final Fantasy Agito</em><em> XIII </em>and was a mobile game before becoming a PSP release).</p>
<p>Speaking to<a target="_blank" href="http://www.usgamer.net/articles/tgs-final-fantasy-agito-will-definitely-be-localized"> USGamer</a>, Square Enix's Hajime Tabata said <em>Agito</em> would, "will definitely be localized." However, as Square Enix representatives on hand were quick to point out, this isn't the announcement of a release outside of Japan. Games sometimes get localized, but never released. In fact, <em>Type-0</em> was largely localized for US and European releases despite never making it out of Japan, according to Tabata.</p>
<p>Tabata also noted that <em>Type-0</em> and <em>Agito</em> are companion titles and that he still wants Western audiences to experience <em>Type-0</em>, hopefully through a PlayStation Network release. A complete localization of <em>Type-0</em> is in the final stages of planning.</p>
<p>Certain early aspects of the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/final-fantasy-agito-coming-to-ios-android-this-winter-261640.phtml">free-to-play <em>Agito</em></a> have me less than interested in the mobile title, but I almost want to get my hopes up for that digital release of a localized <em>Type-0</em>. People seem to have high praise for it. How do you feel about this? Ready for another F2P <em>Final Fantasy</em>?</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.usgamer.net/articles/tgs-final-fantasy-agito-will-definitely-be-localized">TGS: Final Fantasy Agito "Will Definitely be Localized"</a> [USGamer]</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/262079-agito.jpg" alt="Final Fantasy Agito 'will definitely be localized' screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=261925Josh Tolentinohttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Josh+TolentinoAnalogue: A Hate Story coming to iOS, Japan2013-09-16T10:00:00Z2013-09-16T10:00:00Z<p>Visual novels are cool games, but if there's a pet peeve I've developed with the genre lately, it's that most of them are PC-based. Visual Novels, dating sims, and the like are the perfect type of game to play on mobile and tablet platforms, but &nbsp;few good ones have made their way over. Add one more to that small (but growing) list: Christine Love's&nbsp;<em><a href="http://www.destructoid.com/review-analogue-a-hate-story-221606.phtml" target="_blank">Analogue: A Hate Story</a></em>. Love announced on her blog that the game's finally headed to iOS, and the port will be handled by Golden Gear games.</p>
<p>But Apple devices aren't the only things&nbsp;<i>Analogue </i>is going to: The game is also going to be ported to...the Japanese language. That fits, given that Japanese gamers are probably the most receptive audience to the idea of visual novels. Plus, <em>Analogue</em>&nbsp;is already available in Korean, so with Japan taken care of, all we'll need is a Chinese translation to tick off the "East Asia" language bloc.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://loveconquersallgam.es/post/61364111753/i-have-two-really-big-announcements-today-ive">I have two really big announcements today!</a> [Love Conquers All Games]</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/261925-analog.jpg" alt="Analogue: A Hate Story coming to iOS, Japan screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=260730Tony Poncehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Tony+PonceEarthBound's English editor talks about his masterpiece2013-08-24T17:00:00Z2013-08-24T17:00:00Z<p>With <em>EarthBound </em>tearing up the Wii U eShop and finding its way into some gamers' hearts for the very first time, those responsible for breathing life into that world can look back on their handiwork with pride. Series creator Shigesato Itoi <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/earthbound-director-itoi-reflects-on-what-it-means-to-him-259027.phtml">recently shared his piece</a>, and we all thank him for the memories, but English players have someone else to thank as well.</p>
<p>In an <a target="_blank" href="http://kotaku.com/the-man-who-wrote-earthbound-1188669175">interview</a> with Kotaku, localization editor Marcus Lindblom expressed joy that <em>EarthBound </em>has finally become such a beloved cult classic today, considering how reviews around the time of the game's original launch were less than kind. "It was pretty difficult in some ways for those of us that had been involved," he said. "I guess the feeling at that time was -- and this is not a lot different than today -- graphics were a big important component to pushing forward the game industry. And a lot of people looked at <em>EarthBound</em> and considered the graphics to be fairly simplistic."</p>
<p>Lindblom recalled how he originally joined Nintendo as a call center rep, later became a Software Analyst in charge of localizing various games like <em>Wario's Woods</em>, then was left in charge of a new RPG called <em>Mother 2</em>. Another Nintendo writer, Dan Owsen, had finished roughly 10% of the script before he moved on to other projects, leaving the task to Lindblom with some assistance from Japanese writer Masayuki Miura. He spent four months adapting the raw Japanese translation into readable English, working between 14 and 15 hours a day.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/260730-EarthBoundBox.jpg" alt="EarthBound's English editor talks about his masterpiece screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/earthbound-s-english-editor-talks-about-his-masterpiece-260730.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=259781Tony Poncehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Tony+PonceSenran Kagura Burst will hit retail AND digital in Europe2013-08-10T13:00:00Z2013-08-10T13:00:00Z<p>Gentlemen, get your oils and scented candles ready, because <em>Senran Kagura Burst</em> will be <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ricedigital.co.uk/senran-kagura-coming-to-europe-retail-confirmed/">arriving in Europe</a> some time in Q1 2014. Americans received a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/xseed-to-release-senran-kagura-burst-in-north-america-259511.phtml">localization confirmation</a> from XSEED earlier this week, seemingly leaving our brothers across the pond out in the cold. Publisher Zen United has thankfully taken up the cause of bringing 3DS schoolgirl ninja brawling to Euro Land.</p>
<p>Though the American version is slated to be digital only, the European version will receive both an eShop and retail release. You may remember back when XSEED executive vice president Ken Berry <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/xseed-localizing-senran-kagura-a-scary-proposition--253256.phtml">explained</a> that a physical release of <em>Senran Kagura</em> would likely be out of the cards "due to the subject matter and difference in attitudes between Japanese culture and the more conservative culture here in the US." The whole of Europe apparently does not share the same attitudes, which cements the States as the biggest prudes in the developed world.</p>
<p>But at least now everyone will have the chance to purchase <em>Burst</em>. I've been legitimately interested ever since watching the manic gameplay clips on YouTube, so count me in.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.ricedigital.co.uk/senran-kagura-coming-to-europe-retail-confirmed/">Senran Kagura Coming to Europe, Retail Confirmed</a> [Rice Digital via <a target="_blank" href="http://gematsu.com/2013/08/senran-kagura-burst-coming-to-europe-in-early-2014">Gematsu</a>]</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/259781-SenranKaguraBurst.jpg" alt="Senran Kagura Burst will hit retail AND digital in Europe screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=259511Kyle MacGregorhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Kyle+MacGregorXSEED to release Senran Kagura Burst in North America2013-08-06T21:00:00Z2013-08-06T21:00:00Z<p><em><a href="http://www.destructoid.com/senran-kagura-bursts-past-100-000-mark-on-nintendo-3ds-254967.phtml" target="_blank">Senran Kagura Burst</a></em> is coming to the Nintendo 3DS in North America, XSEED Games has announced. The Tamsoft-developed side-scrolling brawler will launch exclusively via the Nintendo eShop this fall.&nbsp;</p>
<p>A two for one following a group of female ninja trainees, the digital release will include an enhanced version of the original title, <em>Senran Kagura Skirting Shadows</em>, as well as its follow-up,&nbsp;<em>Senran Kagura: Crimson Girls</em>. XSEED reports the titles will feature the original Japanese voice-overs with alongside English subtitles.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/259511-Untitled-1.jpg" alt="XSEED to release Senran Kagura Burst in North America screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=259146Steven Hansenhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Steven+HansenDragon Quest Monsters 2 coming to 3DS in Japan2013-08-01T06:00:00Z2013-08-01T06:00:00Z<p>Foolishly, one of the bigger reasons I wanted to pick up a 3DS was for the remake of a Gameboy Color favorite, <em>Dragon Warrior Monsters</em> (<i>Dragon Quest Monsters: Terry's Wonderland</i> in Japan). Unfortunately, <i>Dragon Quest Monsters: Terry's Wonderland 3D </i>came out in Japan almost a year ago now and a Western release doesn't seem to be in the slime.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, <em>Dragon Quest Monsters 2: Iru and Luca&rsquo;s Wonderful Mysterious Keys</em>, a remake of what we will, for simplicity, refer to by the stateside name of <em>Dragon Warrior Monsters 2</em>, has been announced for 3DS. In Japan, obviously. There <a target="_blank" href="http://www.dragonquest.jp/dqm2/">is a website</a> and everything.</p>
<p>First Japan hoards one of the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/the-new-special-edition-dragon-quest-3ds-is-slime-y-222969.phtml">cooler 3DS models</a> (one which would have seen me purchasing a 3DS two and a half years ago), now it continues to hoard <em>Dragon Warrior Monster</em> goodness. Fine. It's not like I need another lengthy time sink in my life anyway.</p>
<p>According to <a target="_blank" href="http://gematsu.com/2013/07/dragon-quest-monsters-2-remake-announced-for-3ds">Gematsu</a>, it "will have over 800 monsters, including new ones from <em>Dragon Quest X</em>, &ldquo;Super G Size&rdquo; monsters, and four-on-four monster battles. It will support local and internet correspondence, StreetPass, one save slot, and eight person multiplayer." Sounds fun. Uhm, I mean, it's not like I wanted you, or anything. Did you?</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/259146-dragonqest.jpg" alt="Dragon Quest Monsters 2 coming to 3DS in Japan screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=257859Kyle MacGregorhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Kyle+MacGregorSquare may yet release Dragon Quest X outside of Japan2013-07-10T21:30:00Z2013-07-10T21:30:00Z<p>It's been nearly a year since <em><a href="http://www.destructoid.com/everybody-dies-in-this-dragon-quest-x-trailer-248154.phtml" target="_blank">Dragon Quest X</a></em> first launched for the Nintendo Wii. Since then, Square Enix has released a Wii U version of the online role-playing game and there's a <a href="http://www.destructoid.com/dragon-quest-x-is-coming-to-pc-256805.phtml" target="_blank">PC port in the works</a> as well. Awesome. Sounds great. So, is the publisher looking into the title overseas?</p>
<p>"Of course," Square's&nbsp;Yu Miyake told <em>Weekly Famitsu</em>. "However, as for whether it'll be run in the&nbsp;<i>Dragon Quest</i>&nbsp;style in the overseas market, every nation has its own play style and sensibilities, so I don't think it'll be a single game worldwide like with&nbsp;<i>Final Fantasy XI</i>."</p>
<p>"D<span>ifferent countries play games at different speeds, and the community management is also diverse," reasons producer Yosuke Saito.&nbsp;"It's more than just if players would be able to enjoy universal seasonal events, so I believe we should manage countries and areas separately. That's why I think we should have separate servers for each country."</span></p>
<p>What exactly that means for a potential international release remains a mystery. Square Enix has yet to announce any plans to bring&nbsp;<em>Dragon Quest X</em> to Western markets.</p>
<p><a href="http://kotaku.com/squares-considering-bringing-dragon-quest-x-to-the-sta-730059425">Square's Considering Bringing&nbsp;Dragon Quest X&nbsp;Outside Of Japan, But...</a>&nbsp;[Kotaku]</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/257859-Untitled.jpg" alt="Square may yet release Dragon Quest X outside of Japan screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=257671Kyle MacGregorhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Kyle+MacGregorNISA localizing Danganronpa and Demon Gaze for PS Vita2013-07-07T09:00:00Z2013-07-07T09:00:00Z<p>The localization-smiths at NIS America are preparing to bring a pair of PlayStation Vita titles to the West, the publisher announced during a panel at Anime Expo in Los Angeles this weekend.</p>
<p><cite><cite class="e anime">Danganronpa</cite>: Trigger Happy Havoc</cite>, a visual novel from <em><a href="http://www.destructoid.com/review-nine-hours-nine-persons-nine-doors-187838.phtml" target="_blank">999</a></em> and&nbsp;<em><a href="http://www.destructoid.com/conception-please-have-my-baby-follow-up-is-such-a-tease-255603.phtml" target="_blank">Conception</a></em> developer Spike Chunsoft, and Kadokawa's <em>Persona</em>-like fantasy role-playing game <em><a target="_blank" href="http://www.japanator.com/demon-gaze-trailer-is-filled-with-anime-girls-27235.phtml">Demon Gaze</a></em> will both make the jump to Europe and North America in early 2014.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2013-07-06/nisa-licenses-danganronpa-demon-gaze-games-in-west" target="_blank">NISA Licenses DanganRonpa, Demon Gaze Games in West</a> [Anime News Network]</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/257671-xxxx.jpg" alt="NISA localizing Danganronpa and Demon Gaze for PS Vita screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=257001Tony Poncehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Tony+PonceFirst Skylanders hits Japan in July, gets Wii U port2013-06-25T21:30:00Z2013-06-25T21:30:00Z<p>We are so used to waiting insufferably long periods of time for Japanese games to be localized and brought out West that we often imagine Japan as this floating island of privilege and good fortune. How easily do we forget that the reverse is also true: Western games don't always arrive in Japan in a timely fashion.</p>
<p>Many of the more adult Western games, like <em>Call of Duty</em> or <em>Red Dead Redemption</em>, either receive a near-simultaneous worldwide release or sit tight for a few short months. But what about <em>Skylanders</em>, a kid-friendly series with a focus on collecting tons of adorable real-world figurines? How much more Japanese could you get? I assumed Activision would have tried to bring it over as soon as possible, but it's only <em>now</em> that the first game is making landfall. Crazy.</p>
<p>On July 12, nearly two years after its Western launch, <em>Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure</em> will drop in Japan. The Wii, PS3, and 3DS versions are arriving intact, but the 360 version seems to have been axed in favor of a completely new Wii U port, which will use the GamePad for off-TV play, menu navigation, and the lock puzzle minigames.</p>
<p>I don't know about you, but I find such regional discrepancies fascinating.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.gonintendo.com/?mode=viewstory&amp;id=206168">Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure finally hitting Japan, getting Wii U version</a> [GoNintendo]</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/257001-SkylandersJapanWiiU.jpg" alt="First Skylanders hits Japan in July, gets Wii U port screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=254725Tony Poncehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Tony+PonceSuper Mario Bros. 3 had major regional differences2013-05-29T01:00:00Z2013-05-29T01:00:00Z<p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/eJ5kfMeeICc?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>I've mentioned on several occasions that my family lived in Japan for a few years, thus my first games console was not an NES but a Famicom. I grew up playing the Japanese versions of famed Nintendo classics, and it was only once we moved to the States and I visited friends' homes that I realized just how different my experiences had been.</p>
<p>So many things I thought I knew were flipped on their head. <em>Mega Man 2</em>? I never had an option to select difficulty. <em>Batman</em>? The first and second level themes were swapped. <em>Battletoads</em>? I started with five lives instead of three and the Turbo Tunnel was actually <em>easier</em>.</p>
<p>Then there was <em>Super Mario Bros. 3</em>. I played that game to death and never thought for a second that I was actually having a tougher time than my American buds. When you take damage while carrying a power-up in the US version, you revert to big Mario. In the Japanese version, it's right back to little Mario. There are some other subtle differences as well that I was unaware of until this video, but I've been privy to that first bit since I was a young lad.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJ5kfMeeICc">Super Mario Bros 3 English VS Japanese Comparison (USA Vs Japan) on the NES &amp; Famicon Game Console</a> [YouTube via <a target="_blank" href="http://www.gonintendo.com/?mode=viewstory&amp;id=203580">GoNintendo</a>]</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/254725-SuperMarioBros3.jpg" alt="Super Mario Bros. 3 had major regional differences screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2015:/post.phtml?pk=253256Kyle MacGregorhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Kyle+MacGregorXSEED: Localizing Senran Kagura a 'scary proposition'2013-05-07T17:00:00Z2013-05-07T17:00:00Z<p>Yesterday, <em><a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/review-pandora-s-tower-251814.phtml">Pandora's Tower</a></em> publisher XSEED Games <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/xseed-now-marvelous-usa-acquires-atlus-online-253218.phtml">announced</a> that it has acquired Atlus Online from Index Digital Media, integrating both companies under the common banner of Marvelous USA. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.siliconera.com/2013/05/06/xseed-still-looking-into-senran-kagura-burst/">Siliconera</a> reached out to XSEED boss Ken Berry following the reveal to inquire if the move might lead to more Marvelous titles coming overseas.</p>
<p>"We are definitely interested in pushing the 'Marvelous' brand as much as possible," Berry said. But whether that interest will coalesce into a western release for Tamsoft's <a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/senran-kagura-vita-sells-120-000-copies-in-opening-week-247753.phtml">S<em>enran Kagura</em></a>&nbsp;series sounds dubious.</p>
<p>"It is something that we continue to look into because we know the demand is there as lots of fans have asked us about it," Berry shared. "But it's just such a scary proposition due to the subject matter and difference in attitudes between Japanese culture and the more conservative culture here in the U.S."</p>
<p>There's one glimmer of hope though. Despite saying a physical release has "the potential for disaster," Berry entertained the possibility of a downloadable release.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.siliconera.com/2013/05/06/xseed-still-looking-into-senran-kagura-burst/" target="_blank">XSEED still 'looking into' Senran Kagura Burst</a> [Siliconera]</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/253256-1.jpg" alt="XSEED: Localizing Senran Kagura a 'scary proposition' screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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